Friday, November 11, 2011

"...[A]n estimated 294,000 jobs in the education sector have been lost since 2008, including those in higher education."

"The cuts are felt from Keller, Texas, where the district moved to a pay-for-ride transportation system rather than cut busing altogether, to Georgia, where 20 days were shaved off the calendar for pre-kindergarten classes. In California, a survey found that nearly half of all districts last year cut or reduced art, drama and music programs."

"Nationally, 120 districts — primarily in rural areas — have gone to a four-day school week to save on transportation and utility costs, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Others are implementing fees to play sports, cutting field trips and ending after-school programs..."

"Recognizing the reality districts face, President Barack Obama included $30 billion in his $447 billion jobs creation package to save teachers' jobs. The Senate rejected the jobs package as well as a separate measure focused on saving the jobs of teachers and emergency responders."

The National Jobs for All Coalition is committed to building a new movement for full employment at livable wages. The Drive for Decent Work blog highlights ways to create jobs by increasing public investment in needed infrastructure and public services.